Latest news with #TheGreenvilleNews
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What South Carolina's Shane Beamer said about Dawn Staley statue, Nick Saban's potential new role
GREENVILLE — The entire college sports world is waiting for the House vs NCAA settlement, which would change the financial landscape for schools, athletes and coaches beginning in July. If approved, NCAA schools could share as much as $20.5 million per year in revenue directly with their athletes. Advertisement Football would receive the biggest chunk, but Dawn Staley's South Carolina women's basketball team is one of the sport's top programs with three national titles since 2017. Coach Shane Beamer knows he's in a unique situation with Staley, in a good way. "Our situation is different because of coach Staley," Beamer said ahead of speaking at an event for fans. "Not every football coach shares a campus with a women's basketball coach that has a statue of her, and she's still coaching. It's not like she's dead and been retired for 30 years. You realize the impact she has on our university and our community, and we're extremely close." Athletic director Jeremiah Donati hasn't publicly shared how South Carolina would divide the money among athletes and teams. Advertisement "Ultimately those decisions are up to (Donati) and the administration," Beamer said, explaining that coaches are involved in the discussions. "I'm a team player, she's a team player. She's extremely supportive of what we're doing football wise and I'm extremely supportive of what she's doing basketball wise. We try to help each other in so many ways and that's not going to change." According to documents obtained by The Greenville News, the football team earned $31 million in 2024 and women's basketball had a $5.7 million deficit. "She understands the revenue football brings in but she also wants to win championships too," Beamer said. "She's a competitive person ... we all want South Carolina to be great, every sport. The best thing is for all of us to be successful." Shane Beamer approves Nick Saban's potential new role Nick Saban may potentially be involved again in college sports again. Saban, the longtime coach of Alabama, will be co-chair of an upcoming federal commission on collegiate athletics set up by President Donald Trump, according to media reports. Advertisement NIL is one of the issues Trump is looking for this commission to work on, according to reports. "I was reading some of that on my phone today," Beamer said when asked about Saban. "I don't know enough about it but I think if you're looking for anyone to spearhead change or be in a leadership position going forward, Nick Saban is the first person to come to mind from my standpoint and I know a lot of people would say the same." MORE FROM NCAA: South Carolina's Shane Beamer frustrated NCAA hasn't ruled on Rahsul Faison's eligibility Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@ and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina football: Shane Beamer on Dawn Staley, Nick Saban
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The basketball event that proved to be Ayla McDowell's path to South Carolina, Dawn Staley
COLUMBIA — When Ayla McDowell was a freshman, Taneisha Rogers, her basketball coach at Cypress Springs High School in Texas, sent a text message. It was to South Carolina women's basketball associate head coach Lisa Boyer. Advertisement "I don't know where you are with recruiting the class of 2025, but you need to come see this kid," Rogers wrote. Though Rodgers was putting her freshman's name on coach Dawn Staley's radar, it was still early. "I knew she wasn't there yet," Rogers told The Greenville News. "I didn't see her playing at that level yet, but I knew the player that she was going to be just because of her work ethic." In many ways, Rogers' early read was accurate. McDowell, now a 6-foot-2 small forward/wing, learned that some college coaches were questioning her ability to defend and to shoot 3-pointers. She began waking up Rogers at 5 a.m. for gym sessions before school and wouldn't leave the court until she made 20 consecutive free throws or shot above 50% from certain spots on the 3-point line. Advertisement "If she didn't really perform how she wanted to perform the game or workout before, she would keep that in her mind," Rogers said. "She'd take that into her next workout to try to perfect or to be better at it than the day before." Year after year, McDowell worked. She aimed to become a product too shiny to turn down, and one that ultimately, a coach as successful as Staley would want to sign. Rodgers believes what McDowell did at the 2024 Nike Nationals, which is the championship tournament for the Nike Girls Elite Youth Basketball League, changed everything. For four days, Staley and her staff sat inches from the sideline in the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago to watch some of the best girls high school basketball. Advertisement "Sitting front row, kind of taking note of the way that she developed, I don't think that she was on their radar," Rodgers said. "(McDowell) really just kind of took her game to the next level. She played in ways that I don't think, you know, many people knew that she could play." McDowell visited South Carolina on Oct. 5 and despite witnessing the football team lose 27-3 to Ole Miss, she shut down her recruitment right after. She announced her commitment by revealing a Gamecocks T-shirt under her jacket on Nov. 13, becoming the first signee in the class of 2025 for Staley. In some ways, Dawn Staley has a veteran in freshman Ayla McDowell Staley admitted in March that when things go wrong, she blames the point guard. One of the greatest ever to play the position, Staley understands the intricacies and the ripple effects it has on the four other players. Advertisement Vocal criticism and blame can be a polarizing coaching method. Some embrace the challenge; others don't. Though she isn't a point guard, Rodgers wanted McDowell's vocal leadership to grow, so two seasons ago she gave her a challenge. "Everything that went wrong in practice was her fault, and I told her that," Rodgers said. Ranging from turnovers or a dress code issue, it was McDowell's fault. "That made her kind of take a more vocal approach to being a leader," Rodgers said. "I think that along with her natural God-given talent it's gonna help her be ready for the next level. I think she'll be an immediate impact." Advertisement 2026: South Carolina, Dawn Staley host Saniyah Hall, No. 1 recruit in 2026 class, for an official visit What makes Rodgers so confident in McDowell is not a short list. She's witnessed her work ethic firsthand and understands McDowell just wants to impact the game. Whether that be cheering from the bench, providing 15 points or just five rebounds, she'll be a freshman who is willing to be flexible yet effective in her role. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Staley must replace three starters but brings in McDowell along with wing Agot Makeer and transfers in point guard Ta'Niya Latson and center Madina Okot. McDowell's minutes and specific role could change game to game, and it's unclear how Staley will utilize her, but regardless of how she does, Rogers expects her to challenge the other team. "She's just an elite-level wing who can score at all three levels," Rodgers said. "So it's extremely hard to scout what she does, because she can kind of play all over the floor." Advertisement Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@ and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Ayla McDowell's path to South Carolina women's basketball, Dawn Staley
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Lyrid meteor shower peak approaches: How to watch it in the Upstate, peak viewing times
The stars won't be the only celestial objects sparkling across the night skies in late April. A medium strength meteor shower known as the Lyrids will soon rain down in the Northern Hemisphere. And the most exciting part is that South Carolinians will be able to see it. Here's more to know about the meteor shower and peak times for viewing. The Lyrids are one of the "oldest known meteor showers" that have been observed for 2,700 years, according to NASA Science. The Chinese were the first to keep record of the Lyrid sighting, dating to 687 BC. "The Lyrids are known for their fast and bright meteors. Though not as fast or plentiful as the famous Perseids in August, Lyrids can surprise watchers with as many as 100 meteors seen per hour," said NASA Science. Lyrids don't usually leave a trail of "glowing dust trains" behind them as they travel across the Earth's atmosphere, but S.C. residents will still be able to catch glimpse of a "fireball," a bright flash produced by the shower. The Lyrids will peak in the Upstate on April 21-22 (Spartanburg), per Date and Time. During this time, there will be up to 18 meteors per hour. Like most meteor showers, the Lyrids can be seen best when the radiant (where the meteors appear to start) is highest just before dawn, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. To see the most meteors, you should try viewing the meteor shower between midnight and dawn. The Almanac also recommends looking straight above you in the sky (the zenith) as your starter point. You will not need binoculars or any other equipment for viewing. "In fact, binoculars do not work well for meteor showers." said the Almanac. "The naked eye is your best tool!" Other tips the Almanac suggests are to be in a dark place void of lights and obstructions such as trees or tall buildings. You should also find a spot that offers a wide view of the sky. Overall, the best viewing of the Lyrids will be weather dependent, with clear skies optimal for sky gazing. Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What is the Lyrid meteor shower? Peak times to view it in Upstate SC
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Yahoo
This Upstate area is one of SC's most rattlesnake infested, says World Atlas: See full list
In South Carolina, there is one sneaky creature that piques the curiosity of residents year after year. You can find them hanging out in your backyard, slithering underneath the bushes, or in the lakes. Some species can even climb trees, although this is not a typical behavior. Whether you love them or can't stand them, it's snake season in S.C. The season usually runs from spring through fall (April to October) and is the period when snakes are most active. Here are the seven most rattlesnake infested areas in the Palmetto state, according to World Atlas. World Atlas named Lake Jocassee as one of the most rattlesnake infested areas in the state. It also called it one of S.C.'s most pristine lakes, with natural beauty that can be seen through its cliffs, forests, and waterfalls. Those who plan on taking a day trip to the lake should know it is located within the Jocassee Gorges and is only accessible through Devil's Fork State Park. At Lake Jocassee, rattlesnakes can be found on the rocky outcrops and forested slopes above the waterline, per World Atlas. Northern water snakes, Eastern Garter snakes, and cottonmouths can also be spotted near the marshy fringes. "Snakes are often seen basking on sun-warmed rocks or low tree limbs near the water, especially in quiet coves and shallow inlets." said World Atlas. "Despite the lakes's crystal-clear and cold water, its overgrown pockets and secluded shoreline provide perfect reptile cover." ∎ Francis Marion National Forest ∎ Lake Moultrie ∎ Lake Jocassee ∎ Ellicott Rock Wilderness ∎ Lake Marion ∎ Sand Hills State Forest ∎ Savannah River Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Watch out for rattlesnakes at Lake Jocassee in SC, says World Atlas
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
What is the online gore trend? How do I know if my teenager is a victim? Signs to watch out for
Parents should be aware of a disturbing internet trend targeting teenagers. The gore trend, which has been compared to the 764 movement, has recently increased its online presence. On March 31, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued a news release to warn guardians of the trend's dangers. Here's what parents need to know. Often perpetuated by teenagers themselves, the trend aims to generate online gore material through coercion and victimization of other teens. According to the news release, content includes but is not limited to "cutting, blood signs, child sexual abuse material, sextortion, bestiality, the torture or killing of animals, and documented suicide." Victims are encouraged to become the subject and victimize others through chat rooms and video games. Those who refuse are often threatened. Leaders of these trends also often encourage and execute attacks on others via bomb threats and swatting. ∎ Teens and pre-teens aged 11-17 who experience mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, or are part of the LGBT community. ∎ Spend an unusual amount of time online in a private space such as a bedroom (these activities usually take place on a desktop, laptop, or gaming computer). ∎ Refer to 'friends' by screen names only. ∎ Have any signs of cutting themselves (this can be done anywhere on the body). The cuts are used to make a 'blood-sign,' which is the writing of a message in blood, usually written in the bathroom/shower, then photographed. ∎ The harming of pets and animals (most specifically cats). ∎ Receive gifts, money, food deliveries, etc. from online or unknown relationships. If you believe your child may be a victim of these crimes, immediately report it to local law enforcement or the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Online gore trend in SC: Parents, here are the signs, who to call
